In the realm of interior design, it's easy to dismiss certain trends as outdated or overly flashy. We've all labeled some styles as tacky without giving them a second thought.
Having spent years in fashion, I understand that trend cycles are circular, and many once-dated design choices are resurfacing. Often, these styles can look even more sophisticated upon their return.
Surprisingly, many of the 'tacky' designs I used to overlook are regaining popularity. From carpeted bathrooms to chintz patterns, designers encourage us to reconsider these once-maligned trends as we head into 2026.
5 'Tacky' Trends Worth Rethinking in 2026
Design elements that were once considered a hard pass are creeping back into style, making their way onto mood boards and into our homes.
What we once playfully labeled as tacky often stems from trends that were overused or executed poorly. These styles aren't inherently bad; they simply became associated with an era of excess. What seems tacky now could easily be chic tomorrow.
For instance, wallpaper, once linked to dated floral patterns, has transformed into a medium for artistic expression. Brass, once deemed old-fashioned, is now embraced for its warm glow. Shag rugs, previously confined to retro settings, are reemerging in elegant tones and textures,
